Universal cord winder

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a universal cord winder apparatus comprising a winding cap having a center spindle. The spindle includes a cord accepting groove that creates two halves to said spindle and each half contains a recessed post with an external spline disposed thereon. A semi-cylindrical bottom has a center opening with internal splines and a cut in the annular wall through which to pass the cord. The spindle of the winding cap is able to be detachably thrust into the opening of the semi-cylindrical base to form a closed cylinder. The winding cap rotates relative to the semi-cylindrical base. The splines provide for a ratcheted resistance allowing the user to adjust the amount of cord while being able to keep it at the desired length.

PRIOR CLAIMS

This claim seeks priority dates of provisional patent 60/685,254 and provisional patent 60/729,515.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to cord winders. More specifically, it relates to a cord winder of a type that can accept different diameter cords and can adjust at need the length of the drawn-out part of the cord.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the advent of the solid state transistor and the miniaturization of electronics the proliferation of corded devices has expanded greatly over of the last couple of decades. Audio players and cell phones with head phones abound these days. Almost all of these devices incorporate power cords as well. The user of the electronic device is always struggling to find a way to keep the associated cords organized so they do not interfere with the use of the electronic device. Also when not using the device, the user wishes to compactly store the cords so as not to create the proverbial rats nest that often ensues.

Various types of cord winders have been proposed and put into use over the years. Many of the cord winders are designed to work with a cord of a particular diameter or shape. This means that the consumer must pay extra for a cord winder that is specifically made for the device being used. Even if the cords of various devices are similar in diameter or shape, the cord winder may not be easily transferred between different cords because of its design. The aesthetic appeal of some of these cord winders is also lacking. Manufacturers are always looking for ways to present their brand name and many of these cord winders do not allow for easy placement of an insignia.

Attempts have been made to provide for simple winders that can be interchangeably used with various cords. U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,708 to Matsubara provides for a cord winder which can wind up a cord with manual work. It is generally cylindrical in shape with a cord inserting groove through which the cord can be led to a bobbin structure. The top and bottom portions must be aligned to insert the cord before winding. When the cord is fully extended the cord winder falls off. A cord winder that works on similar principles is also provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,798 to Aragon.

Other cord winders incorporate springs as a bias to control the amount of cord to be extended or wound up. Examples of such cord winders are given in U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0040945 to Stepancich and U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,938 to Cantley et. al. The addition of the spring increases both the cost and number of components to produce such cord winders.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that opportunity exists for enhancing the aesthetic appeal, structural design and commercial viability of cord winders. For example, having a universal cord winder that can easily be used on a range of different shape and diameter cords would be of benefit. Having a cord winder that one can adjust to any length cord, but that still stays attached to the cord if the fill length of the cord is extended would be of benefit, yet it would be nice to easily remove the cord winder if desired. Also, it would be beneficial to have an inexpensive cord winder that could easily have an insignia placed on it so that a manufacturer could use the cord winder as a form of advertisement that goes along with the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is directed to a universal cord winder apparatus comprising a winding cap having a center cylindrical stud. The stud includes a cord accepting groove and external splines disposed thereon. A semi-cylindrical bottom has a center opening with internal splines and a cut in the annular wall through which to pass the cord. The cylindrical stud of the winding cap is able to be detachably thrust into the opening of the semi-cylindrical base to form a closed cylinder. The winding cap rotates relative to the semi-cylindrical base.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a universal cord winder apparatus comprising a winding cap having a center spindle. The spindle includes a cord accepting groove that creates two halves to said spindle and each half contains a recessed post with an external spline disposed thereon. A semi-cylindrical bottom has a center opening with internal splines and a cut in the annular wall through which to pass the cord. The spindle of the winding cap is able to be detachably thrust into the opening of the semi-cylindrical base to form a closed cylinder. The winding cap rotates relative to the semi-cylindrical base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the elements that form one embodiment of the universal cord winder of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the elements that form another embodiment of the universal cord winder;

FIG. 3 a is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram of the cord winder winding cap;

FIG. 3 b is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram of the cord winder semi-cylindrical bottom;

FIG. 3 c is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram of the cord winder disengagement mechanism in the form of a clip;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional, schematic diagram through the diameter of the cylindrical stud showing the shape of the splines that are used to create a ratcheted resistance;

FIG. 5 a is a side perspective view of the assembled cord winder;

FIG. 5 b is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram of the assembled components in FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 6 a is a side perspective view showing one way in which the cord may be secured to the cord winding cap;

FIG. 6 b is a side perspective view showing another way in which the cord may be secured to the cord winding cap;

FIG. 7 a is a cross-sectional, schematic diagram showing the placement of a compliant material within cord accepting groove;

FIG. 7 b is a cross-sectional, schematic diagrm showing the placement of a cord within the compliant material of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 8 a is a top perspective view showing the inside of the semi-cylindrical bottom;

FIG. 8 b is a bottom perspective view showing the bottom of the semi-cylindrical bottom;

FIG. 9 a is a side perspective view showing the disengagement mechanism in the form of a clip;

FIG. 9 b is a side top down schematic diagram of the disengagement mechanism in the form of a clip;

FIG. 10 a is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram showing the disengagement mechanism in the form of a clip and in the neutral position;

FIG. 10 b is a cross-sectional, side elevation, schematic diagram showing the disengagement mechanism in the form of a clip and engaged to pop the two prongs of the cylindrical stud from the semi-cylindrical bottom;

FIG. 11 a is a side perspective view showing another embodiment of the cord winder winding cap;

FIG. 11 b is a cross-sectional, top down, schematic diagram of the spindle depicted in FIG 11 a;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view showing another embodiment of the base of the semi-cylindrical bottom; and

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view showing another embodiment of the clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A universal cord winder apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. Universal cord winder 20 includes a winding cap 21, a semi-cylindrical bottom 22 and a disengagement mechanism 23 for disengaging winding cap 21 from semi-cylindrical bottom 22. The cord winder is preferably fabricated from an injection moldable plastic such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), but may be fabricated from any rigid or semi-rigid material. In this embodiment there is a single cut 24 a in annular wall 25 of semi-cylindrical bottom 22 to allow a cord to pass in and out of cord winder 20. Disengagement mechanism 23 may have differently shaped appendages attached to it to provide it with additional function. In this embodiment disengagement mechanism 23 is shaped to function as a clip 27 providing one the capability of attaching the cord winder to an article of clothing, a sun visor in a car, etc. An insignia 26 may be printed on the top surface of winding cap 21 to increase the aesthetic appeal or provide for brand name marketing.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the universal cord winder 20. In this embodiment a second cut 24 b has been made in annular wall 25 of semi-cylindrical bottom 22; This allows a cord to pass in and out both sides of cord winder 20. Also in this embodiment disengagement mechanism 23 has incorporated a spring 28 to facilitate smoother actuation of the disengagement mechanism.

FIG. 3 a shows by way of cross-section that winding cap 21 includes a centered, cylindrical stud 30. Cylindrical stud 30 has a cord accepting groove 31 and external splines 32 disposed thereon. Cylindrical stud 30 may also include a tapered tip 33 and hooked edge 34 to facilitate connection with the semi-cylindrical bottom 25. As shown in FIG. 3 b, semi-cylindrical bottom 25 has a center opening 35 with internal splines 36. The two halves 37 a and 37 b of cylindrical stud 30 are compliant and can be detachably thrust into center opening 35. The external splines 32 engage with internal splines 36; Hooked edge 34 holds winding cap 21 together with semi-cylindrical bottom 22. Winding cap 21 now thrustably engaged can rotate relative to semi-cylindrical bottom 22 when the user applies a tangential force to the top of the winding cap. A textured surface 38 may be added to the edge of winding cap 21 to create a gripping force to assist in rotating the winding cap relative to semi-cylindrical bottom 22. The outer inside edge of winding cap 21 rests upon a lip 39 on the annular edge of semi-cylindrical bottom 22. The lip 39 acts to reduce resistive forces acting on cylindrical stud 30 as it turns within opening 35.

FIG. 3 c shows disengagement mechanism 23 in cross-section. Clip 27 and spring 28 are also shown.

External splines 32 and internal splines 36 are shaped so as to have more ratcheted resistance when rotating in one direction than in the other. This is accomplished by fabricating facet edge 40 a to be longer in length than facet edge 40 b for each of the splines as shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment there are two external splines 32 and twelve internal splines 36, however, the exact number of external splines 32 and internal splines 36 may differ to achieve the desired ratcheted resistance and rotating properties of cylindrical stud 30. Similarly the length of facet edge 40 a relative to the length of facet edge 40 b may vary to achieve a different desired ratcheted resistance. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a counter clockwise rotation of cylindrical stud 30 will experience less ratcheted resistance than a clockwise rotation. By having more ratcheted resistance when pulling the cord out, this helps to prevent extra, unwanted cord from coming out of the cord winder 20 during use. By having less ratcheted resistance when winding the cord, this helps make it easier to wind the cord. However, one could fabricate cord winder 20 to have equal ratcheted resistance in both directions by making the length of facet edge 40 a and 40 b the same. One could also fabricate cord winder 20 to have more ratcheted resistance when winding the cord than when pulling it out by having the length of facet edge 40 a shorter than the length of facet edge 40 b.

FIG. 5 a shows fully assembled cord winder 20. Finger 44 can press and apply a tangential force on textured surface 38 of winding cap 21 to rotate the winding cap relative to semi-cylindrical base 22. FIG. 5 b shows fully assembled cord winder 20 in cross-section. Cord 45 is now depicted entering cord winder 20 through cut 24. Cord cross-sections 46 are shown wound around cylindrical stud 30 in the inner containment chamber 47.

FIG. 6 a and FIG. 6 b show two ways in which cord 45 may be threaded into winding cap 21 of cord winder 20. In FIG. 6 a, cord 45 is placed within cord accepting groove 31 as a loop around one of the halves 37 a or 37 b of cylindrical stud 30. The doubled cord 45 is then thread through single cut 24 a prior to thrustably engaging winding cap 21 with semi-cylindrical bottom 22. After winding cap 21 with cylindrical stud 30 is thrustably engaged with semi-cylindrical bottom 22, the winding cap may be rotated relative to the semi-cylindrical base to wrap cord 45 within chamber 47. This corresponds to the cross-section in FIG. 5 b. Alternatively as shown in FIG. 6 b, the cord 45 may be inserted into cord accepting groove 31 and laid straight across winding cap 21. The cord 45 would then be lined up with a semi-cylindrical bottom 22 that has both cuts 24 a and 24 b so that one end of the cord passes through each cut. Winding cap 21 would then be rotated relative to semi-cylindrical bottom 22 to wind cord 45.

To be able to more universally accept cords of different diameters and still hold cord winder at a specific location along cord 45 when it is fully unwound, a compliant material 41 or other mechanism may be attached to the inside of cord accepting groove 31. Compliant material 41 may be a piece of foam rubber with a slot 42 in it as shown in FIG. 7 a and FIG. 7 b. With this feature the user can unwind cord 45, move the location of cord winder 20, and rewind the cord at a new position along its length. This allows the user to place cord winder 20 exactly where they want it.

FIG. 8 a and FIG. 8 b illustrate the detailed structure of semi-cylindrical bottom 22. Semi-cylindrical bottom 22 contains a center hole 35 with internal splines 36. In a region near center hole 35 a recess 50 is formed to accept disengagement mechanism 23. Recess 50 may take on a variety of shapes as determined by disengagement mechanism 23. In the current embodiment the edge of disengagement mechanism 23 slides within slot 51 and is stopped by protusion 52.

FIG. 9 a and FIG. 9 b illustrate the detailed structure of disengagement structure 23. Disengagement structure 23 is shown with a tapered recess 53 in which the tip of cylindrical stud 30 resides when thrustably engaged with semi-cylindrical bottom 22. It also has a flat appendage 54 that slides within slot 51 of semi-cylindrical bottom 22. It further comprises in one embodiment a spring 28 attach to one end. The other end is formed into a clip 27.

FIG. 10 a and FIG. 10 b illustrate the detailed manner in which disengagement mechanism 23 functions. As shown in FIG. 10 a, cord winder 20 is in a closed state when tapered tip 33 of cylindrical stud 30 is locked into center hole 35 by hooked edge 34. In this arrangement tapered tip 33 also resides within tapered recess 53 of disengagement mechanism 23. To open cord winder 20, FIG. 10 b, a force 55 is applied to disengagement mechanism 23 parallel to the base of the semi-cylindrical bottom 22. With the application of force 55 flat appendage 54 slides within slot 51. Tapered recess 53 is then shifted to force cylindrical stud 30 from center hole 35. This action opens cord winder 20. A spring 28 may also be incorporated as part of disengagement mechanism 23 to automatically return the disengagement mechanism 23 to a neutral state. When placing the winding cap 21 onto semi-cylindrical bottom 22, the user needs to just thrustably engage cylindrical stud 30 in center hole 35. Tapered tip 33 will automatically move into tapered recess 53 and lock by hooked edge 34.

FIG. 11 a and FIG. 11 b illustrate several different structures that can be incorporated into winding cap 60 to provide for another embodiment of the current invention. Here winding cap 60 has a channel 61 that runs along the inside of the outer perimeter of the winding cap. Channel 61 receives the top edge of the outer perimeter of base 70 shown in FIG. 12 when cap 60 is engaged with the base. Channel 61 acts to guide the base when winding and unwinding the cord. Channel 61 provides for smoother winding and unwinding and keeping base 70 and cap 60 from separating.

Another variation that may be incorporated into winding cap 60 is a different structure for the cylindrical stud or spindle 62. In this embodiment spindle 62 has a cord accepting groove 63 that creates two spindle halves 64 a and 64 b. Within each spindle half 64 resides a post 65. Posts 65 a and 65 b are recessed on opposite sides of spindle 62. A thin webbed wall 66 on either side of post 65 adds stiffness to the post. Posts 65 are recessed in the region of the spindle 62 where cord wrapping occurs. By being recessed, posts 65 are not constricted by wrapped cord and respond with a uniform resistance no matter how much of cord is wrapped around spindle 62. A groove 67 at the top of spindle 62 is provided for locking the top of the spindle with internal splines 77 of semi cylindrical base 70. Each post 65 has a spline 68 on its end that engages with internal splines 77 of semi cyclindrical base 70. As winding cap 60 is turned, each post spline 68 is pushed past an internal spline 77, this creates both a resistance and an audible “click” as is passes. The amount of winding resistance may be adjusted by varying the amount of webbing 66 provided on either side of post 65 during manufacture or the user may make a cut in the webbing to tailor the resistance and intensity of the click to his or her preference.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 together depict yet another embodiment of the present invention. Here semi cylindrical base 70 has a slot 71 in which clip 72 slides. Upon first assembling clip 72 with base 70, the clip is guided into slot 71 and over tab 73. When the clip is fully engaged, the end 74 of clip 72 passes over and beyond tab 73 and locks the clip into place on base 70. The compression of the spring 75 and tapered recess 76 is then used to create the action needed to disengage winding cap 60 from base 70.

While several embodiments of the invention, together with modifications thereof, have been described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, disengagement mechanism 23 may be formed to take the shape of various clipping mechanisms while still functioning as a structure to disengage cylindrical stud 30 from semi-cylindrical base 22. Also, other means may be used to act as textured surface 38. Nothing in the above specification is intended to limit the invention more narrowly than the appended claims. The examples given are intended only to be illustrative rather than exclusive. 

1) A cord winder apparatus for winding a cord, comprising: a) a winding cap having a spindle, said spindle including a cord accepting groove that creates two halves to said spindle and each half containing a recessed post with an external spline disposed thereon; b) a semi-cylindrical bottom having a center opening with internal splines and a cut in the annular wall thereof; and c) said spindle of said winding cap able to be detachably thrust into said opening of said semi-cylindrical base to form a closed cylinder wherein said winding cap rotates relative to said semi-cylindrical base. 2) A cord winding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said spindle further includes a tapered tip and hooked edge. 3) A cord winding apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said accepting groove of said cylindrical stud is lined with a compliant material to accept and secure cords of varied diameter size and shape. 4) A cord winding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said external and internal splines interlock to provide a ratcheted resistance when rotating said winding cap relative to said semi-cylindrical bottom. 5) A cord winding apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said external and internal splines are shaped to provide for more ratcheted resistance when turning said winding cap in one direction than the other. 6) A cord winding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said winding cap has a textured surface around the edge to create a gripping force to assist in rotating said winding cap relative to said semi-cylindrical bottom. 7) A cord winding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer edge of said winding cap includes a channel that fits over a lip on the annular edge of said semi-cylindrical bottom. 8) A cord winding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein cut in said annular wall of said semi-cylindrical bottom includes a rounded edge. 9) A cord winding apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a disengagement mechanism attached to said semi-cylindrical bottom, said disengagement mechanism used to disengage said winding cap from said semi-cylindrical bottom when pressed. 10) A cord winding apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said disengagement mechanism is also a clip. 